Last fact-checked: 22 November 2020

If you're thinking about joining the millions of people who travel abroad for medical and cosmetic surgery every year, then one of your best options is Costa Rica, especially if you're based in the US or Canada and looking to enjoy a vacation at the same time.

Read on to discover why this Central American country should be high on your shortlist for reasons other than just saving money.

Costa Rica: An Overview

Costa Rica is in Central America and is known for its natural beauty as a premier ecotourism destination. Rich in biodiversity, tourists flock here for its exotic flora and fauna, nature treks, bird watching and many more outdoor activities. Costa Rica is appealing on so many fronts: miles of beaches and blue sea for beach bunnies. Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to discover in the tropical jungles, including animals and plants unique to the region and world. 

Sports and adrenaline junkies will feel at home exploring Costa Rica’s natural terrain, including white water rapids, while the sea offers fishing, diving, snorkeling and more. the list goes on.

Costa Rica is also an important destination for medical tourists. The country's medical tourism industry has been growing since the 1990s and Costa Rica is now a favored destination for medical procedures that are not covered by insurance, particularly among people residing in Canada and the U.S. It's also a haven for expats who find the cost of living low, the weather good and the amenities and nature even better.

Where Is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is in Central America and shares borders with Nicaragua and Panama. It touches the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean but is only three hours from one coast to the other by road.

Among the reasons to choose Costa Rica for plastic surgery and other cosmetic treatments:

Low Cost

Prices for aesthetic procedures in Costa Rica are, on average, between 50 and 80 percent less than you would expect to pay in the US, Canada or the EU.

Some examples of the cost savings for different plastic surgeries in Costa Rica:

• Breast Enlargement in Costa Rica: average cost USD 3,000; compared to USD 6,000-12,000 in the US and CAD 15,000 in Canada.
• Facelift in Costa Rica average cost: USD 4,500; compared to USD 7,000-15,000 in the US and CAD 12,000-15,000 in Canada.
• Tummy tuck in Costa Rica average cost: USD 4,000; compared to USD 6,000-10,000 in the US and CAD 9,000-12,000 in Canada.

(Note. The above prices are approximate. Please check our clinic listings for the latest prices)

Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in Costa Rica are on par with some of the best in the world. If they were not so, the country would not attract medical tourists who are used to the best. The hospitals and clinics compare favorably with the facilities in Canada and the US. Much of the equipment used is, in fact, imported from the US, so you should not have any doubts on this score.

Costa Rican doctors and specialists serve ex-pats and foreigners on a regular basis, comfortable working with international clientele from all walks.

Doctor Training and Qualifications

In Costa Rica, medical school takes at least five years to complete. For specialties, many doctors carry out further studies in the US, Canada or other parts of the world. Some Costa Rican universities are accredited in the US.

What Kind of Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Can I Have in Costa Rica?

All kinds of plastic surgery procedures can be found in Costa Rica at our quality-checked clinics. You can choose a facelift, neck lift, breast surgeries of all types, eye surgeries, and the entire gamut. Costa Rica is also known for knee replacement and bariatric surgery.

Apart from these and other procedures, the country has many spas, wellness retreats, weight loss clinics, and minor cosmetic treatments.

Tourist Locations for Pre and Post-op Recovery

While you can find all kinds of hotels and other accommodations in Costa Rica, the country is also well known for special facilities for recovering medical tourists. It has special recovery retreats that are geared toward patients who need care. These are usually located close to clinics and hospitals, with all the amenities of a luxury hotel, and nurses and interns as staff; they are in a better position to deal with patients and take care of them

If you don’t need to check into a recovery retreat or you're only having minor work done, then it's worth booking into a comfortable hotel or resort, which often costs significantly less per night than back home.

How Safe Is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is safe and the crime rate is low. However, you should be careful of pickpockets and handbag snatching in busy tourist areas. It is always a good idea to leave your valuables at home and even your passport in the hotel (you can carry a photocopy for identity purposes). Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry, electronics, and gadgets in a way that you can become a victim. 

It is always safer to get a taxi to take you back to the hotel than walking in the dark. Use the same common-sense precautions that you would when being at home - don’t let your guard down because you are on holiday.

All surgery comes with an element of risk wherever you are in the world, even if all precautions are taken. That is because you can have reactions to drugs or devices at any time. To ensure your own safety, make sure your doctor knows if you have any sensitivities or allergies, or reactions to any drugs that you know of. If you have any chronic condition like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or are taking any medicines on a regular basis, you should make sure this information is given to the doctor or the hospital. Normally when the medical history is taken all these bases are covered, so don’t hide anything.

As to the quality of care, all doctors and surgeons must be locally board-certified with the Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos to practice. Many doctors have specializations and carry out training or work in Western countries, as well as being affiliated with various American and International Associations, such as ISAPS.

Additionally, Medical Departures conducts its own background checks and investigations into the qualifications and training of the doctors, their experience, and skills. We also check the quality of the hospitals and clinics that we list on our website so you are much safer.

What Happens if Something Goes Wrong? 

Do Costa Rica Doctors Have Warranties or Guarantees?
Even if you have taken the best of care and the doctor is good, there is a slim chance that there may be some problems or complications during procedures. That said, our clinics and hospitals all have guarantees on the work they do; if any small problem arises after surgery, it will be fixed free of charge.

If you want to add an additional safety factor, then you can buy additional insurance for a small charge. This will cover any complications that require medical treatment, airfares and/or accommodations so that you are not left out of pocket.

Some clinics may also offer additional insurance packages to cover extra costs.

Do Doctors Speak English?

English is the second language in Costa Rica. Almost everyone speaks some English; doctors and staff listed on our site are accustomed to working with an English-speaking international clientele.

There is a lot to see and do in Costa Rica. If you are in San Jose, you can explore areas around it that cover a wide range of interests.

Visit one of the many national parks: rich in flora and fauna and offering an amazing experience in natural surroundings. Costa Rica boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, La Amistad National Park, Cocos Island National Park and Area de Conservacion Guanacaste. Check out Dominical, which is on the South Pacific and renowned for its natural beauty, incredible biodiversity and whale watching; Heredia has fascinating coffee plantation tours and both of the coasts offer beautiful beaches and other stunning scenery and attractions.

With three international airports, Costa Rica is eminently accessible. Juan Santamaria Airport is close to San Jose, Heredia and Alajuela. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is near Liberia in the Guanacaste province. This airport sees flights from most major airlines in the US. Tobías Bolaños International Airport is in the Pavas district of San José and only a 10-15 minute drive from the city center. From here you can catch a local or domestic flight to many local destinations as well.

With three international airports, Costa Rica is eminently accessible. Juan Santamaria Airport is close to San Jose, Heredia and Alajuela. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is near Liberia in the Guanacaste province. This airport sees flights from most major airlines in the US. Tobías Bolaños International Airport is in the Pavas district of San José and only a 10-15 minute drive from the city center. From here you can catch a local or domestic flight to many local destinations as well.

Flight times (approx.) from other destinations to Costa Rica

• Los Angeles – 9.5 hours
• New York – 8 hours
• Toronto – 5.1 hours
• Ottawa – 5 hours
• London – 12.5 hours
  Flight times vary and depend on the airlines, the number of stopovers, and your destination city in Costa Rica.

Local Transport

Most cities in Costa Rica have metered taxis that are easy to hail. While you can hire cars, driving can be hazardous because in some areas roads are not good. You can also use sharing taxis for long distances, with a fixed fare. In remote areas, you can hire taxis for the number of hours required. You may also get local buses in some places. Uber and Lyft are options as well.

Visa Requirements

Americans do not need a visa but do need a return ticket to enter Costa Rica. If you have a visa for Canada, Japan, the Schengen area, or any EU country, you don’t need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You can stay for up to 30 days in Costa Rica. British nationals can stay up to three months in Costa Rica.

For nationals of other countries, check for visa requirements online.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted in Costa Rica?

All international credit and debit cards are accepted in Costa Rica. You can also make payments by wire transfer or other methods. What’s more, American dollars are also accepted almost everywhere.

When Is the Best Time to Visit for Plastic Surgery in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a relatively small country, but because it is both mountainous and near the sea (in different parts) the temperatures can vary dramatically. All clinics and hospitals are open throughout the year. The peak tourist season is from December to April when temperatures are comfortable and the weather is dry. This is also the most expensive season for flights and accommodations.

Off-season is from May to November when it's hot, rainy and humid. However, rates are lower during this period so you should check out this period for the best rates to suit your budget. This time is also good if you love to see the verdant greenery that is constant during the wet weather.

First, take some time to browse through Medical Departures' list of quality checked clinics in Costa Rica.

For bookings, simply scroll down to see a number of convenient ways to contact us. Our Customer Care Team can help you with the booking process and address any questions or concerns about plastic surgery or other medical treatments in Costa Rica.

Sources: 

Visit Costa Rica. Website accessed: 14 October 2019. https://www.visitcostarica.com/en

Costa Rica Medical Tourism Industry. Howler Magazine. 1 August 2018. https://howlermag.com/Costa-Rica-medical-tourism-industry

Savvy Medical Travelers Recover in Comfort at Los Sueños Resort, Costa Rica. HRG Vacations. 28 April 2017. https://www.hrgvacations.com/blog/news/savvy-medical-travelers-recover-comfort-los-suenos-resort-costa-rica

International Society of Plastic Surgeons. Website accessed: 22 November 2020. https://www.isaps.org/

Costa Rica - World Heritage Sites. Latin American Collection. Website accessed: 14 October 2019. https://www.latinamericacollection.com/costa_rica/heritage_site.html

Visas, Residences and Permits. Costa Rica Embassy. Website accessed: 14 October 2019. http://www.costarica-embassy.org/index.php?q=node/72